| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Alpha Subunit
Test Code8658
Alias/See Also
LAB00193
CPT Codes
83520
Includes
This test measures the alpha subunit that is common to LH, FSH, TSH and hCG. These hormones are comprised of identical alpha subunits and unique beta subunits that confer biological specificity.
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Plasma • Grossly icteric
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Tues, fri
Report Available
2-7 days
Reference Range
| Males | 0.1-0.5 ng/mL | |||||
| Premenopausal Females | 0.1-0.6 ng/mL | |||||
| Postmenopausal Females | 0.1-1.5 ng/mL | |||||
| Pregnancy (1st and 2nd Trimesters) | 35.0-186.0 ng/mL | |||||
| Hypothyroidism | 0.2-3.2 ng/mL | |||||
This test measures the free alpha subunit that is common to LH, FSH, TSH and hCG. These hormones are comprised of identical alpha subunits and unique beta subunits that confer biological specificity.
Clinical Significance
This assay is useful in the diagnosis and management of various pituitary, placental, pancreatic and hCG-producing tumors. The assay can also be useful for investigations where alpha subunit is increased under various physiological stimuli, e.g., GnRH stimulation and TRH stimulation tests.
Performing Laboratory
| Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
| 33608 Ortega Highway |
| San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |